Technology

TRAXLOGIX 's range of products uses various technologies to locate and communicate. Before we describe how Traxlogix's products work, it’s essential to understand the technologies involved.

What is GPS?
Developed by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide, satellite-based, radio navigation system. GPS can give you the exact position of your vehicles, no matter where they are, what time it is, or what the weather is like. A total of 24 satellites orbit the earth, monitored continuously by stations on the ground. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by GPS receivers in your vehicles and used to determine their location with great accuracy.

How does GPS work?
Each GPS satellite transmits radio signals that enable the GPS receivers to calculate where it (or your vehicle) is on the earth. The receivers convert the calculations into geodetic latitude, longitude, and velocity. A receiver needs signals from at least three GPS satellites to pinpoint the position of your vehicle. GPS receivers used in most vehicle tracking systems can only receive data from GPS satellites. They cannot communicate back with GPS satellites or any other satellite. A system using GPS can only calculate its location; it cannot send its location to a central control room. In order to send its location to a central control room, a system using GPS normally uses GSM-GPRS cellular network connectivity using an additional GSM modem/module.

What is GSM ?
GSM, short for the Global System for Mobile Communications, is a popular mobile communication system provided by cellular service providers or GSM operators in most countries. It is used for in most mobile handsets used by us. GSM Mobile communication system can be intelligently used by electronic devices which can collect some data and send it to the central place using SMS or GPRS data call. GSM is required in Vehicle tracking systems because GPS system can normally only receive location information from satellites but cannot communicate back with them. Hence we need some other communication system like GSM to send this location information to central control room. Other technologies can also be used but they are more costly.

What is GPRS?
The General Packet Radio Service is a new communication service introduced by GSM operators. The service is part of the same GSM network. It ensures the secure transfer of content such as digital photos to another GPRS-capable system. An example of a service based on GPRS is MMS (the Multimedia Messaging Service). GPRS is required in case we want to take snapshots and transfer them to the central control room. GPRS does not involve additional hardware, but we need to use more advanced GSM modules that support GPRS. Note that GPRS services are not provided by all GSM operators.

How do Traxlogix's products work?
The tracking base unit, sometimes called the "tracking patch," contains an advanced, quad-band GSM module that supports SMS, MMS, and GPRS data transfer and a highly sensitive GPS receiver. To make it work, energy is required. For stand-alone applications, a wide selection of rechargeable and nonrechargeable Traxlogix battery packs is available. For externally powered operations, a converter needs to be attached to the base unit. Depending upon the application, products are awakened at regular intervals or permanently connected to the GSM network. When needed, the GPS receiver is activated in order to determine a geographical position. The products exchange data wirelessly through a dedicated protocol with a common platform, also called a communication server. From there, various forms of information, such as GPS positions, battery status, and temperature, can be sent using an Internet connection to multiple workstations, generally located in control rooms. In accordance with the product's final application, the way it will work will differ significantly. For more information, please consult the datasheets for each product.